A Co Kildare mother of a toddler has been slammed by the Judge in Naas District Court today in relation to allegations of theft from a Newbridge based charity shop.

The 26- year-old woman with an address in Newbridge is charged with stealing five items of children's clothing to the value of €10, from the Jack & Jill Foundation, based at the Town Centre Car Park, Newbridge, on June 17, 2017.

Inspector Mel Smyth told the court how the accused 'left without paying'.

The court heard how the accused has seven previous convictions for theft.

Inspector Smyth said: "She left the shop without paying. The Gardaí were able to get the property back."

Judge Desmond Zaidan said: "It does not get any lower than this. Jack & Jill are trying to help children who are severely sick. It does not get anymore embarrassing than this."

The accused outlined to the court how she was in Jack & Jill with her sister and her niece who started 'reacting' in the shop and that is the reason that they left quickly.

She claims that her niece left with the items, not her. She says that she pleaded guilty so as not to get her niece into trouble.

In court she said that she Gardaí that she would pay a donation to Jack & Jill, at the time.

Defence Barrister, Aishling Murphy said: "She is the mother of a two-year-old boy."

Judge Zaidan ordered that the accused undertake a restorative justice programme combined with community service.

He said: "I don't accept a word of what she is saying."

Judge Zaidan said that there is still a chance he could send the mother to prison if she is not co-operating.

The Judge ordered a detailed probation report.

He said: "I don't want any excuses. The court could still send you to prison for a year."

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